Original post date: 4/5/19 Updated: 1/16/21
Learn How to Make the best H-E-B Savory Kale Salad! This copycat recipe is the perfect dupe on the delicious savory salad that tastes better with time. The simple and healthy lemon vinaigrette salad tossed with fresh parmesan, and homemade croutons, pairs great with your favorite protein or as a side dish.
If you like this recipe, you will love Dragon Roll Sushi Bowls, Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze or Peach Salsa with Shrimp.
When I first attempted to recreate this recipe, it was out of sheer desperation. While living in San Antonio, Texas, I was introduced to grocery shopping at H-E-B. Their fresh ready meals section was convenient to use and grabbing their prepared salads were always a must. The prepared salads would run out fairly quickly, so I had to learn to improvise and being a foodie, gave me the opportunity to recreate this savory salad recipe at home.
WHAT DOES THE SAVORY KALE SALAD TASTE LIKE?
This savory kale salad is similar to a Caesar salad ingredient wise, but the dressing has a tangy and savory flavor. With this in mind, if you like hearty and simple salads, you will love this recipe. The main flavors that are present in this salad are the chewy texture of kale, savory notes from the fresh parmesan cheese and the tanginess from the vinaigrette dressing.
Furthermore, the best part about this recipe is that while it is delicious fresh, this salad gets better with time. To explain, this salad works great for meal-prep recipe idea and also works great for a potluck. To sum up, this recipe can be under your list of sweet and savory kale or savory kale salad recipes. Keep reading and I will explain why.
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WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS SAVORY KALE SALAD?
This savory kale salad has simple, household ingredients. What is helpful about this recipe is the toppings and additions are endless. Although, this recipe is just as good as is. Here are the ingredients you will need to make the base of this recipe:
- Kale
- Fresh Parmesan Cheese
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Olive Oil
- Lemon
- Dijon Mustard
- Garlic
- Honey
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt and Pepper
WHAT ADD-INS PAIR WELL WITH THIS H-E-B SAVORY KALE SALAD?
To emphasize, this recipe is delicious as is, but it also works well with several additions. Here are some toppings and additions that work great with this salad.
Protein
- Shrimp
- Grilled Chicken
- Salmon (your favorite fish)
Toppings
- Cranberries
- Gorgonzola Cheese
- Nuts (slivered almonds or walnuts)
- Pomegranate
- Apples (thinly sliced)
HOW TO MAKE H-E-B KALE SALAD
As shown above, this savory salad recipe comes together with minimal ingredients and steps. First, prepare the breadcrumbs by measuring the panko breadcrumbs and placing in a small to medium sized pan with olive oil on medium/high heat. Stir occasionally while allowing the panko breadcrumbs to brown and toast. In detail, this step will take about five minutes. Place the toasted breadcrumbs on a plate or bowl and allow to cool until assembly time.
Next, measure the kale and place in a large salad bowl. Begin massaging the kale with clean hands until kale becomes wilted and softer. This step takes a few minutes but as your hands begin to release heat, the kale will begin to "shrink" and soften.
HOW TO MAKE LEMON VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
At this instant, it is time to prepare the salad dressing. Begin by placing the olive oil in bowl and pour in the garlic, mustard, honey, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, pepper and lemon juice. Whisk gingerly for two to three minutes until the salad dressing ingredients are mixed thoroughly and well combined.
HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE KALE SALAD
Using the bowl where the kale was previously massaged; pour in the parmesan cheese, cooked/toasted breadcrumbs and season again with salt and pepper. Then, pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are mixed with the salad dressing. Lastly, top with any leftover toppings such as the parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs for garnish and enjoy.
As mentioned, this salad is delicious to serve immediately, but if you have time, this salad tastes the best when it has had time to marinate at least 12-24 hours.
TIPS TO MAXIMIZE FLAVOR
I have listed tips below that will maximize flavor and texture. Of course, you can serve right away but following these simple tips takes this savory kale salad to another level!
- Massage the kale for 2-5 minutes or until softened.
- Make ahead of time and refrigerate 30 minutes-24 hours. The longer it marinates, the better the flavors develop.
- Spend the extra bucks; purchase quality shaved parmesan (not the bottle grated stuff for spaghetti).
- Use fresh lemon juice and quality Dijon mustard.
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If you like this recipe, you will love:
Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze
Savory Kale Salad-HEB Copycat
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Garlic or Garlic Paste
- ¼ teaspoon Honey
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon (½ small lemon)
- 3 cups Kale (I use prepackaged)
- ½ cup Shaved Parmesan (Get the good stuff)!
- Salt + Pepper (To taste)
- ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the breadcrumbs by placing them in a small to medium sized pan with olive oil on medium/high heat.
- Stir occasionally while allowing the panko breadcrumbs to brown and toast. This step will take about five minutes.
- Place the toasted breadcrumbs on a plate or bowl and allow to cool until assembly time.
- Next, measure the kale and place in a large salad bowl. Begin massaging the kale with clean hands until kale becomes wilted and softer.
- This step takes a few minutes but as your hands begin to release heat, the kale will begin to "shrink" and soften.
- Begin by placing the olive oil in bowl and pour in the garlic, mustard, honey, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, pepper and lemon juice.
- Whisk gingerly for two to three minutes until the salad dressing ingredients are mixed thoroughly and well combined.
- Using the bowl where the kale was previously massaged; pour in the parmesan cheese, cooked/toasted breadcrumbs and season again with salt and pepper.
- Then, pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are mixed with the salad dressing.
- Lastly, top with any leftover toppings such as the parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs for garnish and enjoy.
- As mentioned, this salad is delicious to serve immediately, but if you have time, this salad tastes the best when it has had time to marinate at least 12-24 hours.
Maureen says
Thank youuuu!!!!!
It’s really good, your-salad! Just as good as the I tried at HEB.
admin says
Awesome! I've moved to Seattle a few months ago. Can you ship me a few of the salads. 😉
Angela says
I have been wanting to try to remake this salad. It is so addictive! Can't wait to try yours. Glad you dont add the breadcrumbs!
admin says
Ha ha! Yes, I can do without the breadcrumbs for sure. If you've tried it out, let me know how it worked out for you. I've recently moved to Seattle and miss the salad so much! xo
Lori Williams says
My husband just returned from Austin and sent me photos of this salad to recreate for him. Apparently he'd had the sweet kale salad first, and when he went back the lady told him about the savory one. He raved about it and asked me to see what the magic is about, so I just found your recipe and am excited to make it. I might add some of the pepitas they put in the sweet one for a bit of crunch in the savory one. Thanks for the inspiration!
admin says
The cutest story ever! I love how food can be attached to the cutest memories. I've had the sweet kale salad with the pepitas and it is tasty BUT, nothing compares to that savory kale salad. I think your spot on with adding the pepitas, I think it'll help balance the texture of the kale out. Let me know how it turns out. 🙂
Jamie says
I’m super excited to try this! Question: How well does it keep. I have to meal prep each week and was wondering how long this would last. And which pre packaged kale do you get??? Thanks for a great recipe!
Carita says
Hi Jamie! This salad normally lasts 2-3 days. As far as pre packaged kale, I normally purchase it in the produce section at my grocery store. I've lived in a few states but most major brand grocers will have their brand of chopped and pre packaged kale. I hope this helps! 🙂
Lori says
Perfect- thanks for sharing the recipe. Perfectly delicious and freshly prepared.
Carita says
Thanks so much Lori! It's one of my faves!:)
Ami Greene says
I just made this salad and it was perfect!! I've never had the HEB salad, but this is a perfect savory kale salad. Thank you!!
Carita says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It's one of my absolute favorite salads as well! xoxo
TX_Jenn says
As a person that buys this salad from HEB every week, I decided to try to make this myself. I don't know what I did wrong with the above receipe but all I tasted was olive oil. And maybe because all I had was an olive oil taste, I found I had to add a lot more lemon juice than just 1 tbsp to get that lemon flavor. Any help/advice on what went wrong?
Carita says
Hi! The flavor of the dressing will vary based on the type of olive oil you used. The flavor deepens the longer it marinates as well. How long did your salad marinate after preparing it?